System for and method of authenticating items

ABSTRACT

A system ( 10 ) is disclosed for authenticating an item ( 12 ), the item ( 12 ) being associated with an event or associated with one or more participants ( 70 ) in the event. The system ( 10 ) comprises first identification means ( 14 ) incorporated into an item ( 12 ) prior to an event, the first identification means ( 14 ) having an associated unique identifier, a database ( 22 ) for storing an item record including information indicative of the unique identifier and information indicative of the item ( 12 ), and detecting means ( 20 ) for authenticating that the item ( 12 ) has been used at the event by detecting the first identification means ( 14 ) and recognising the unique identifier during the event whilst the item ( 12 ) is being used. The arrangement is such that the item record is updated so as to include information indicative of the event in which the item ( 12 ) has been used when the item ( 12 ) has been detected by the detecting means ( 20 ). A corresponding method is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system forauthenticating items and to a method of authenticating such items.

[0002] The present invention has particular application inauthenticating items of potential collectable and memorabilia value,such items including garments worn by participants in an event, itemsused by a participant in an event, and so on. However, it will beunderstood that the invention has broader application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There is a substantial market worldwide in memorabilia andcollectable items. Of particular interest to collectors are items whichhave been used or worn by a participant in an event of significance. Forexample, items which have been used in a major sporting event, whichhave used or worn by a sports participant whilst achieving a significantsporting feat, or which are known to have been worn by significanttheatrical celebrities are known to be highly desired by collectors ofmemorabilia.

[0004] However, due to the high desirability and the consequent highvalue of such memorabilia items, it is not uncommon for items to beoffered for sale with a fraudulent claim that the items are associatedwith an event or event participant of significance. As a result, adegree of uncertainty exists for prospective purchasers of memorabiliaitems because no guarantee exists as to the authenticity of the item.

[0005] A further difficulty also arises with memorabilia items in thatit is difficult to place a value on a pre-existing memorabilia itembecause relatively little information is available as to previous salesdates and sales amounts and uncertainty exists as to the genuineness ofthe item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a system for authenticating an item, said item beingassociated with an event or associated with one or more participants inthe event, said system comprising:

[0007] first identification means incorporated into an item prior to anevent, said first identification means having an associated uniqueidentifier;

[0008] a database for storing an item record including informationindicative of the unique identifier and information indicative of theitem; and

[0009] detecting means for authenticating that the item has been used atthe event by detecting the first identification means and recognisingthe unique identifier during the event whilst the item is being used;

[0010] the arrangement being such that the item record is updated so asto include information indicative of the event in which the item hasbeen used when the item has been detected by the detecting means.

[0011] In this way, for items which have potential memorabilia value, adegree of certainty may be provided to a prospective purchaser of anitem of memorabilia that the item is genuine and was used in aparticular event.

[0012] The event may be a sporting event such as a basketball game or acricket match. As an alternative, the event may be a musical ortheatrical event, a motion picture, a horse racing event, a circusperformance, or any other event wherein items used in the event are ofpotential memorabilia value.

[0013] In one arrangement, the item is a garment worn by a participantin the event. The garment may be an article of clothing, footwear orheadgear, or a jewellery item.

[0014] In an alternative arrangement, the item is an article used by aparticipant in the event. The item may be an article of sportingequipment, a musical instrument, or a theatrical prop.

[0015] The item record may include information indicative of the type ofitem, the identity of the event participant using the item, thecontribution to the event made by the participant associated with theitem and/or, when the item has been sold, details of the sale amount forthe item. The item record may optionally further include an image orvideo of the item.

[0016] Preferably, the first identification means is a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag capable of storing a unique identifier whichis detectable from a remote location by the detecting means. The firstRFID tag may be a passive-type RFID tag.

[0017] The unique identifier associated with the first identificationmeans may be a unique code which may be in the form of an alpha numericcode.

[0018] The first identification means may include a tamper minimisationarrangement which may include a heat sealed patch disposed over thefirst identification means. Alternatively, the first identificationmeans may be sealed within a label or tag stitched or otherwise affixedto the item so as to thereby conceal the identification means.

[0019] Preferably, the system further includes scanning means forscanning the first identification means so as to provide the firstidentification means with an associated unique identifier, and forverifying that the unique identifier provided to the firstidentification means is correct.

[0020] Preferably, the system is arranged so as to facilitate on-lineaccess to the item record so that the item record may be viewed from aremote location. The system may further be arranged so as to facilitateon-line purchasing of an item associated with the item record by aremotely located purchaser. In one arrangement, the system is furtherarranged so as to facilitate on-line bidding for the item.

[0021] Instead of facilitating on-line access to the item record, thesystem may be arranged so as to facilitate on-line access to apredetermined portion of the item record.

[0022] In one arrangement, the system may be further arranged such thatwhen an item is used at a subsequent event, the detecting means detectsthe first identification means associated with the item during the eventwhilst the item is being used, and updates the item record so as toinclude information indicative of the subsequent event in which the itemhas been used.

[0023] In this way, the present authentication system may be used torecord the history of an item by repeatedly updating the relevant itemrecord each time the item is used in an event.

[0024] In one arrangement, the system is further arranged so as to issueregistration means, which may be in the form of a registrationcertificate, when an item is sold, the registration means includingsecond identification means, details of the purchased item and detailsof the purchaser and thereby current owner of the item. For subsequentsales of the item, the system may be arranged to issue subsequentregistration means including details of the purchased item and detailsof the new owner.

[0025] The second identification means may be a second RFID tag whichmay be a passive-type RFID tag.

[0026] The second RFID tag may be provided with a unique code which maybe different to or the same as the unique code associated with the firstRFID tag.

[0027] The second identification means may be provided with a tamperminimisation arrangement, which may include a heat sealed patch disposedover the second identification means.

[0028] In one arrangement, an image of the registration means isincluded in the item record, for example in the form of a JPEG file.

[0029] In one arrangement, the system is further arranged so as to issuecertification means, preferably in the form of a certificate ofauthenticity.

[0030] The certification means may be provided with third identificationmeans which may be a third RFID tag. The third RFID tag may be apassive-type RFID tag.

[0031] Preferably, the third identification means is provided with aunique code which may be different to or the same as the unique codeassociated with the first and second RFID tags.

[0032] Preferably, the third identification means is provided with atamper minimisation arrangement, which may include a heat sealed patchdisposed over the third identification means.

[0033] The certification means may include details of the item anddetails of each event in which the item was used.

[0034] In one arrangement, an image of the certification means isincluded in the item record, for example in the form of a JPEG file.

[0035] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,there is provided a method of authenticating an item, said item beingassociated with an event or associated with one or more participants inthe event, said method comprising the steps of:

[0036] incorporating first identification means into an item prior to anevent, said first identification means having an associated uniqueidentifier;

[0037] creating an item record and storing the item record on adatabase, said item record including information indicative of theunique identifier and information indicative of the item;

[0038] authenticating that the item has been used at the event bydetecting the first identification means and recognising the uniqueidentifier during the event whilst the item is being used; and

[0039] updating the item record so as to include information indicativeof the event in which the item has been used.

[0040] The event may be a sporting event such as a basketball game or acricket match. As an alternative, the event may be a musical ortheatrical event, a motion picture, a horse racing event, a circusperformance, or any other event wherein items used in the event are ofpotential memorabilia value.

[0041] In one arrangement, the item is a garment worn by a participantin the event. The garment may be an article of clothing, footwear orheadgear, or a jewellery item.

[0042] In an alternative arrangement, the item is an article used by aparticipant in the event. The item may be an item of sporting equipment,a musical instrument, or a theatrical prop.

[0043] The item record may include information indicative of the type ofitem, the identity of the event participant using the item, thecontribution to the event made by the participant associated with theitem and/or, when the item has been sold, details of the sale amount forthe item. The item record may optionally further include an image orvideo of the item.

[0044] Preferably, the first identification means is a RFID tag capableof storing a unique identifier which is detectable from a remotelocation by the detecting means. The first RFID tag may be apassive-type RFID tag.

[0045] The unique identifier associated with the first identificationmeans may be a unique code which may be in the form of an alpha numericcode.

[0046] In one arrangement, the method further includes the step ofproviding the first identification means with a tamper minimisationarrangement which may take the form of a heat sealed patch disposed overthe first identification means.

[0047] Preferably, the step of incorporating first identification meansinto an item includes the steps of scanning the first identificationmeans so as to provide the first identification means with an associatedunique identifier and verifying that the unique identifier provided tothe first identification means is correct.

[0048] Preferably, the method further includes the step of facilitatingon-line access to the item record so that the item record may be viewedfrom a remote location and, preferably, the method further includes thestep of facilitating on-line purchasing of an item associated with theitem record by a remotely located purchaser. The step of facilitatingon-line purchasing of an item may include the step of facilitatingon-line bidding for the item.

[0049] The step of facilitating access to the item record such that theitem record may be viewed on-line may include the step of facilitatingaccess to a predetermined portion of the item record.

[0050] In one arrangement, the method further includes the steps ofusing the item at a subsequent event, authenticating that the item hasbeen used at the subsequent event by detecting the first identificationmeans and recognising the unique identifier during the event whilst theitem is being used, and updating the item record so as to includeinformation indicative of the subsequent event in which the item hasbeen used.

[0051] The method may further include the step of issuing registrationmeans, which may be in the form of a registration certificate, when anitem is sold, the registration means including second identificationmeans, details of the purchased item and details of the purchaser andthereby current owner of the item. For subsequent sales of the item, themethod may be arranged to issue subsequent registration means includingdetails of the purchased item and details of the new owner.

[0052] The second identification means may be a second RFID tag whichmay be a passive-type RFID tag.

[0053] The second RFID tag may be provided with a unique code which maybe different to or the same as the unique code associated with the firstRFID tag.

[0054] The method may further include the step of providing the secondidentification means with a tamper minimisation arrangement which maytake the form of a heat sealed patch disposed over the secondidentification means.

[0055] In one arrangement, an image of the registration means isincluded in the item record, for example in the form of a JPEG file.

[0056] The method may further include the step of issuing certificationmeans, preferably in the form of a certificate of authenticity.

[0057] The certification means may be provided with third identificationmeans which may be a third RFID tag. The third RFID tag may be apassive-type RFID tag.

[0058] Preferably, the third identification means is provided with aunique code which may be different to or the same as the unique codeassociated with the first and second RFID tags.

[0059] Preferably, the method further includes the step of providing thethird identification means with a tamper minimisation arrangement, whichmay include a heat sealed patch disposed over the third identificationmeans.

[0060] The certification means may include details of the item anddetails of each event in which the item was used.

[0061] The method may further include the step of including an image ofthe certification means in the item record, for example in the form of aJPEG file.

[0062] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a management system for managing authenticated items, saidsystem comprising:

[0063] a plurality of authentication systems in accordance with thefirst aspect of the present invention;

[0064] a central control unit in networked communication with theplurality of authentication systems, each authentication system beingarranged to forward item records to the central control unit;

[0065] a central database in communication with the central control unitfor storing the forwarded item records; and

[0066] means for facilitating on-line access to the item records in thecentral database.

[0067] In one arrangement, the central control unit is arranged so as tofacilitate on-line purchasing of an item associated with the item recordby a remotely located purchaser.

[0068] The management system may be further arranged so as to facilitateon-line bidding for the item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The present invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic block diagram of a system forauthenticating an item in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0071]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an event includingfirst identification means and detecting means of the system shown inFIG. 1;

[0072]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of a registration certificatefor use with the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0073]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of a certificate ofauthenticity for use with the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0074]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of a method ofauthenticating an item in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

[0075]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic block diagram of an item managementsystem for use with the system shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown asystem 10 for authenticating an item 12 whilst the item is being used atan event. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the item 12 is a sportsshirt, although it will be understood that a variety of items areenvisaged, including sporting equipment, musical instruments, and so on,the important aspect being that the item is of a type which haspotential memorabilia value by virtue of being used in an event, forexample by a participant in the event.

[0077] Each item 12 to be authenticated is provided with firstidentification means 14 capable of storing a unique identifier. In thisexample, the first identification means is in the form of a firstpassive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, although otherarrangements are envisaged including active RFID tags, the importantaspect being that the first identification means is capable of storing aunique identifier when scanned by an appropriate scanning device, andthe unique identifier is capable of being detected and recognised from aremote location by a suitable detecting device.

[0078] The unique identifier may be in the form of a unique code, suchas an alphanumeric code.

[0079] In order to reduce the likelihood of subsequent tampering withthe first RFID tag 14, various tamper minimisation strategies may beemployed. For example, a heat sealed patch may be fixed over the firstRFID tag 14, the heat sealed patch being arranged to produce a visibleindication when an attempt to tamper with the first RFID tag 16 hasoccurred.

[0080] The system 10 includes a control unit 16, in this example in theform of a computing device, for controlling and coordinating systemoperations and for interfacing with a system representative.

[0081] The system 10 also includes a scanning device 18 for remotelyinteracting with the first RFID tag 14 so as to provide the first RFIDtag 14 with a first unique identifier, and for interacting with thefirst RFID tag 14 so as to verify that the first identifier provided tothe first RFID tag 14 is correct.

[0082] The system 10 also includes a detecting device 20 which islocated in use at an event, the detecting device 20 being disposed at alocation such that a first RFID tag 14 present at the event isdetectable by the detecting device 20 and the unique identifierassociated with the first RFID tag 14 is retrievable by the detectingdevice 20. The detecting device 20 may be disposed at any suitablelocation for this purpose. For example, the detecting device 20 may belocated in a passageway through which the participants travel in orderto enter the playing area.

[0083] The system 10 further includes a database 22 for storing data.The data is stored in the database 22 in the form of a plurality of itemrecords with each item record including item information, the relevantassociated unique identifier and, when the item has been used at anevent, information indicative of the relevant event in which the itemhas been used. The item information may include the type of item, theidentity of the participant associated with the item, the contributionto the event made by the participant associated with the item, and soon. When the item 12 has been sold, the item record may include detailsof the sale amount.

[0084] In this example, the system 10 is also arranged such that thecontrol unit 16 is accessible via any suitable network communicationsarrangement such as the Internet 23 from remote user terminals 24 sothat operators of the user terminals 24 may view the item records storedin the database 22, for example with a view to purchasing an itemreferred to in the item records.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 also includes a registrationcertificate 26 provided with second identification means 28, in thisexample in the form of a second passive RFID tag. The second RFID tag 28is provided with a unique identifier which is the same as the uniqueidentifier provided to the first RFID tag 14. In this way, theregistration certificate 26 is linked to the item 12 associated with thefirst RFID tag 14 by the unique identifier. The registration certificate26 serves to identify the current owner of an item 12. In this example,the registration certificate 26 includes indicia 30 identifyingoperators of the system 10, an item region 32 for identifying the item12 and the date of purchase of the item 12, a seller region 34 forreceiving details of a seller and details of the sale amount for theitem, and a buyer region 36 for receiving details of a buyer.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4, the system 10 also includes a certificate ofauthenticity 38 provided with third identification means 40, in thisexample in the form of a passive RFID tag. The third RFID tag 40 isprovided with a unique identifier which is the same as the uniqueidentifier provided to the first and second RFID tags 14, 28. In thisway, the certificate of authenticity is linked to the item 12 associatedwith the first RFID tag 14 and to the registration certificate 26 by theunique identifier. The certificate of authenticity 38 serves to providea purchaser of an item with further verification that the purchased itemis authentic.

[0087] In this example, the certificate of authenticity 38 includes anitem details region 42 for receiving details of the relevant item 12 tobe authenticated, and a participant region 44 for receiving a signatureof the relevant participant, if any, associated with the item 12.

[0088] Operation of the system 10 will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0089] In FIG. 5, there is shown a flow diagram 48 illustrating a methodof authenticating an item in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0090] As indicated by method steps 50 to 62 of the flow diagram 48, anitem 12 considered by operators of the system 10 to be of potentialmemorabilia value is tagged by applying a first identification tag 14 inthe form of a first passive RFID tag to the item 12, optionally with anysuitable tamper minimisation arrangement.

[0091] The first RFID tag 14 is then scanned using the scanning device18 under control of the control unit 16 so as to provide the first RFIDtag 14 with a unique identifier, in this example in the form of a uniquecode, and the unique identifier is verified by the scanning device 18 soas to ensure that the unique identifier associated with the first RFIDtag 14 is correct. When the unique identifier has been verified, an itemrecord is created by the control unit 16 and stored in the database 22,the tag record including information indicative of the unique identifierand details of the item 12 to which the first RFID tag 14 has beenapplied.

[0092] In a situation wherein the item is associated with a particularprospective participant in an event, the tagged item 12 is then returnedto the participant 70, in this example a basketball player, as shown inFIG. 2, and the participant 70 uses the item 12 in the event. During theevent, the detecting device 20 identifies the item 12 in use at theevent by detecting the first RFID tag 14 and retrieves the uniqueidentifier associated with the first RFID tag 14. Information indicativeof the retrieved unique identifier is then passed from the detectingdevice 20 to the control unit 16 which uses the retrieved information toupdate the relevant item record in the database 22. In particular, therelevant item record is modified so as to indicate that the item hasbeen used at an event and details of the event in which the item wasused are added. Further information may also be added to the itemrecord, such as information which describes the contribution made in theevent by the relevant participant. For example, the further informationmay include details of the number of points scored by the participant,and so on.

[0093] When an item 12 has been used at an event and an item recordupdated so as to include details of the event in which the item 12 wasused, the item 12 may be made available for sale on-line by facilitatingaccess to the control unit 16 through the Internet 23. For example, thesystem 10 may be arranged so as to facilitate access to the item recordsby an operator of a remote terminal 24, and so as to facilitate on-linepurchase of an item by selecting the appropriate item record. It will beunderstood that such an arrangement may be implemented in any suitableway. For example, the control unit 16 may include a web server arrangedto serve details of the item records to a web page for access by aplurality of prospective purchasers, and appropriate software forsecurely accepting on-line payments. The control unit 16 may also bearranged to facilitate purchase and/or bidding for an item in real-time,that is, during the event by facilitating wireless communicationsbetween the control unit 16 and a mobile communications device, such asa mobile telephone, carried by a prospective purchaser. The prospectivepurchaser may be an event attendee, a TV viewer, and so on. The wirelesscommunications may be in SMS format or any in other suitablecommunications format

[0094] When an item 12 is sold by operators of the system 10, therelevant item record may be modified so as to include details of thepurchaser and therefore the current owner of the item 12.

[0095] As indicated in the flow diagram 48 shown in FIG. 5, instead ofor in addition to using the item 12 in one event and subsequentlyoffering the item 12 for sale, the item 12 may be used in several eventswith the first RFID tag 14 being detected at each event and details ofeach event being added to the relevant item record.

[0096] Optionally, when an item 12 is sold by operators of the system10, a registration certificate 26 which identifies the owner of the item12 and which also includes a second identification means in the form ofa second RFID tag 28 may be issued by the operators of the system 10. Inthis example, the second RFID tag 28 is provided with the same uniqueidentifier as is provided to the first RFID tag 14 so that theregistration certificate 26 and thereby the owner of the item 12 can belinked to the relevant item and item record by the unique identifier. Itis envisaged that by only allowing users in possession of a validregistration certificate 26 to sell an item 12, a degree of protectionthat the seller is entitled to sell may be provided to a prospectivepurchaser.

[0097] For subsequent sales of the item 12, fresh registrationcertificates 26 may be produced, each registration certificate 26including a first RFID tag 14 provided with the unique identifierassociated with the item and details of the new owner.

[0098] Optionally, a certificate of authenticity 38 as shown in FIG. 4may be issued by operators of the system 10. The certificate ofauthenticity serves to provide further authentication that the item 12is genuine. The certificate of authenticity 38 is provided with a thirdidentification means, in this example in the form of a third RFID tag40. In this example, the third RFID tag 40 is provided with the sameunique identifier as is provided to the first and second RFID tags 14,28.

[0099] It will be understood that, in this way, the certificate ofauthenticity 38 is linked to the relevant item 12, item record andregistration certificate 26 by virtue of the unique identifier.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an item management system 80for use in managing items authenticated using an authentication system10 of the type described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 5. Likefeatures are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0101] The item management system 80 includes a central control unit 82,in this example in the form of a computing device, and a centraldatabase 84 for storing item records created by a plurality ofauthentication systems 10.

[0102] The central control unit 82 is accessible via any suitablenetwork communications arrangement such as the Internet 23 from remoteuser terminals 24 so that operators of the user terminals 24 may viewthe item records stored in the central database 84. The central controlunit 82 is also in networked communication, in this example via theInternet 23, with a plurality of authentication systems 10, eachauthentication system being arranged to forward item records to thecentral control unit 82 for storage in the central database 84. Therelevant item records may be forwarded from the authentication systems10 to the central control unit 82 in any suitable format, for example inthe form of an XML document.

[0103] The management system 80 is arranged such that item recordscreated by all authentication systems 10 are available for viewingon-line by accessing the management system 80 and items associated withthe item records are available for purchase on-line. It will beunderstood that such an arrangement may be implemented in any suitableway. For example, the central control unit 82 may include a web serverarranged to serve item records to a web page for access by a pluralityof user terminals 24, and may include appropriate software for securelyaccepting on-line payments. Alternatively, when a prospective purchaserhas identified an item record associated with a desired item, thecentral control unit 82 may be arranged to direct the prospectivepurchaser to the authentication system 10 originally associated with theitem.

[0104] As with the authentication system 10, the central control unit 82may also be arranged so as to facilitate purchase and/or bidding for anitem in real-time, that is, during the event by facilitating wirelesscommunications between the central control unit 82 and a mobilecommunications device, such as a mobile telephone, carried by aprospective purchaser. The prospective purchaser may be an eventattendee, a TV viewer, and so on. The wireless communications may be inSMS format or any in other suitable communications format

[0105] In the present example, when an item record has been sold byoperators of an authentication system 10 or by operators of themanagement system 80, the relevant item record is flagged with anappropriate identifier to indicate that the item associated with theitem record has been sold. When this occurs, the item record is nolonger available for viewing on the management system website or theauthentication system website.

[0106] It will be understood that by providing such a management system80, it is possible for a prospective purchaser to purchase itemsrelating to a wide variety of events by accessing one website.

[0107] It will also be understood that although the above embodimentshave been described in relation to first, second and third RFID tagswhich have the same unique code, other arrangements are possible. Forexample, the codes associated with the first, second and third RFID tagsmay be different.

[0108] Throughout the specification, unless the context requiresotherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a statedinteger or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integeror group of integers.

[0109] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilledaddressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

1. A system for authenticating an item, said item being associated withan event or associated with one or more participants in the event, saidsystem comprising: first identification means incorporated into an itemprior to an event, said first identification means having an associatedunique identifier; a database for storing an item record includinginformation indicative of the unique identifier and informationindicative of the item; and detecting means for authenticating that theitem has been used at the event by detecting the first identificationmeans and recognizing the unique identifier during the event whilst theitem is being used; the arrangement being such that the item record isupdated so as to include information indicative of the event in whichthe item has been used when the item has been detected by the detectingmeans.
 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the event is asporting event.
 3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the event isa musical or theatrical event, a motion picture, a horse racing event ora circus performance.
 4. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein theitem is a garment worn by a participant in the event.
 5. A system asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the garment is an article of clothing,footwear or headgear, or a jewellery item.
 6. A system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the item is an article used by a participant in theevent.
 7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the item is an articleof sporting equipment, a musical instrument, or a theatrical prop.
 8. Asystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein the item record includesinformation indicative of the type of item, the identity of the eventparticipant using the item and/or the contribution to the event made bythe participant associated with the item.
 9. A system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein, when the item has been sold, the item record includesdetails of a sale amount for the item.
 10. A system as claimed in claim1, wherein the item record includes an image or video of the item.
 11. Asystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first identification means isa first RFID tag capable of storing a unique identifier which isdetectable from a remote location by the detecting means.
 12. A systemas claimed in claim 11, wherein the first RFID tag is a passive-typeRFID tag.
 13. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the uniqueidentifier associated with the first identification means is in the formof an alpha numeric code.
 14. A system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe first identification means includes a tamper minimisationarrangement.
 15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tamperminimisation arrangement includes a heat sealed patch disposed over thefirst identification means.
 16. A system as claimed in claim 1, furtherincluding scanning means for scanning the first identification means soas to provide the first identification means with an associated uniqueidentifier and for verifying that the unique identifier provided to thefirst identification means is correct.
 17. A system as claimed in claim1, wherein the system is arranged so as to facilitate on-line access tothe item record so that the item record may be viewed from a remotelocation.
 18. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system isarranged so as to facilitate on-line purchasing of an item associatedwith the item record by a remotely located purchaser.
 19. A system asclaimed in claim 18, wherein the system is further arranged so as tofacilitate on-line bidding for the item.
 20. A system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the system is further arranged such that when an itemis used at a subsequent event, the detecting means detects the firstidentification means associated with the item during the event whilstthe item is being used, and updates the item record so as to includeinformation indicative of the subsequent event in which the item hasbeen used.
 21. A system as claimed claim 1, wherein the system isfurther arranged so as to issue registration means when an item is sold,the registration means including second identification means, details ofthe purchased item and details of the purchaser.
 22. A system as claimedclaim 21, wherein for subsequent sales of the item, the system may bearranged to issue subsequent registration means including details of thepurchased item and details of the new owner.
 23. A system as claimed inclaim 21, wherein the second identification means is a second RFID tag.24. A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the second RFID tag isprovided with a unique code which is the same as the unique codeassociated with the first RFID tag.
 25. A system as claimed in claim 21,wherein the second identification means is provided with a tamperminimisation arrangement.
 26. A system as claimed in claim 25, whereinthe tamper minimisation arrangement includes a heat sealed patchdisposed over the second identification means.
 27. A system as claimedclaim 21, wherein an image of the registration means is included in theitem record.
 28. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system isfurther arranged so as to issue certification means.
 29. A system asclaimed in claim 28, wherein the certification means is provided withthird identification means.
 30. A system as claimed in claim 29, whereinthe third identification means is a third RFID tag.
 31. A system asclaimed in claim 29, wherein the third identification means is providedwith a unique code which is the same as the unique code associated withthe first and second RFID tags.
 32. A system as claimed in claim 29,wherein the third identification means is provided with a tamperminimisation arrangement.
 33. A system as claimed in claim 32, whereinthe tamper minimisation arrangement includes a heat sealed patchdisposed over the third identification means.
 34. A system as claimed inclaims 29, wherein the certification means includes details of the itemand details of each event in which the item has been used.
 35. A systemas claimed in claim 29, wherein the item record includes an image of thecertification means.
 36. A method of authenticating an item, said itembeing associated with an event or associated with one or moreparticipants in the event, said method comprising the steps of:incorporating first identification means into an item prior to an event,said first identification means having an associated unique identifier;creating an item record and storing the item record on a database, saiditem record including information indicative of the unique identifierand information indicative of the item; authenticating that the item hasbeen used at the event by detecting the first identification means andrecognising the unique identifier during the event whilst the item isbeing used; and updating the item record so as to include informationindicative of the event in which the item has been used.
 37. A method asclaimed in claim 36, wherein the event is a sporting event such as abasketball game or a cricket match.
 38. A method as claimed in claim 36,wherein the event is a musical or theatrical event, a motion picture, ahorse racing event, a circus performance.
 39. A method as claimed inclaim 36, wherein the item is a garment worn by a participant in theevent.
 40. A method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the garment is anarticle of clothing, footwear or headgear, or a jewellery item.
 41. Amethod as claimed in claim 36, wherein the item is an article used by aparticipant in the event.
 42. A method as claimed in claim 41, whereinthe item is an article of sporting equipment, a musical instrument, or atheatrical prop.
 43. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the itemrecord includes information indicative of the type of item, the identityof the event participant using the item and/or the contribution to theevent made by the participant associated with the item.
 44. A method asclaimed in claim 36, wherein, when the item has been sold, the itemrecord includes details of a sale amount for the item.
 45. A method asclaimed in claim 36, wherein the item record includes an image or videoof the item.
 46. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the firstidentification means is a first RFID tag capable of storing a uniqueidentifier which is detectable from a remote location.
 47. A method asclaimed in claim 46, wherein the first RFID tag is a passive-type RFIDtag.
 48. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the unique identifierassociated with the first identification means is in the form of analpha numeric code.
 49. A method as claimed in claim 36, furtherincluding the step of providing the first identification means with atamper minimisation arrangement.
 50. A method as claimed in claim 49,wherein the tamper minimisation arrangement includes a heat sealed patchdisposed over the first identification means.
 51. A method as claimed inclaim 36, wherein the step of incorporating first identification meansinto an item includes the steps of scanning the first identificationmeans so as to provide the first identification means with an associatedunique identifier and verifying that the unique identifier provided tothe first identification means is correct.
 52. A method as claimed in36, further including the step of facilitating on-line access to theitem record so that the item record may be viewed from a remotelocation.
 53. A method as claimed in claim 36, further including thestep of facilitating on-line purchasing of an item associated with theitem record by a remotely located purchaser.
 54. A method as claimed inclaim 53, wherein the step of facilitating on-line purchasing of an itemincludes the step of facilitating on-line bidding for the item.
 55. Amethod as claimed in claims 36, further including the steps of using theitem at a subsequent event, authenticating that the item has been usedat the subsequent event by detecting the first identification means andrecognising the unique identifier during the event whilst the item isbeing used, and updating the item record so as to include informationindicative of the subsequent event in which the item has been used. 56.A method as claimed in claim 36, further including the step of issuingregistration means when an item is sold, the registration meansincluding second identification means, details of the purchased item anddetails of the purchaser.
 57. A method as claimed in claim 56, wherein,for subsequent sales of the item, the method is arranged to issuesubsequent registration means including details of the purchased itemand details of the new owner.
 58. A method as claimed in claim 56,wherein the second identification means is a second RFID tag.
 59. Amethod as claimed in claim 58, wherein the second RFID tag is providedwith a unique code which is the same as the unique code associated withthe first RFID tag.
 60. A method as claimed in claim 56, furtherincluding the step of providing the second identification means with atamper minimisation arrangement.
 61. A method as claimed in claim 60,wherein the tamper minimisation arrangement includes a heat sealed patchdisposed over the second identification means.
 62. A method as claimedin claim 56, wherein the item record includes an image of theregistration means.
 63. A method as claimed in claim 36, furtherincluding the step of issuing certification means.
 64. A method asclaimed claim 63, wherein the certification means is provided with thirdidentification means.
 65. A method as claimed in claim 64, wherein thethird identification means is a third RFID tag.
 66. A method as claimedin claim 64, wherein the third identification means is provided with aunique code which is the same as the unique code associated with thefirst and second RFID tags.
 67. A method as claimed in claim 66, furtherincluding the step of providing the third identification means with atamper minimisation arrangement.
 68. A method as claimed in claim 67,wherein the tamper minimisation arrangement includes a heat sealed patchdisposed over the third identification means.
 69. A method as claimed inclaim 63, wherein the certification means includes details of the itemand details of each event in which the item was used.
 70. A method asclaimed in claim 63, further including the step of including an image ofthe certification means in the item record.
 71. A management system formanaging authenticated items, said system comprising: a) a plurality ofauthentication systems, each such system comprising: firstidentification means incorporated into an item prior to an event, saidfirst identification means having an associated unique identifier; adatabase for storing an item record including information indicative ofthe unique identifier and information indicative of the item; anddetecting means for authenticating that the item has been used at theevent by detecting the first identification means and recognizing theunique identifier during the event whilst the item is being used; thearrangement being such that the item record is updated so as to includeinformation indicative of the event in which the item has been used whenthe item has been detected by the detecting means; b) a central controlunit in networked communication with the plurality of authenticationsystems, each authentication system being arranged to forward itemrecords to the central control unit; c) a central database incommunication with the central control unit for storing the forwardeditem records; and d) means for facilitating on-line access to the itemrecords in the central database.
 72. A management system as claimed inclaim 71, wherein the central control unit is arranged so as tofacilitate on-line purchasing of an item associated with the item recordby a remotely located purchaser.
 73. A management system as claimed inclaim 71, wherein the central control unit is further arranged so as tofacilitate on-line bidding for the item.